Monday, March 28, 2011

People all around the world are afraid to speak in front of large crowds. Some studies have shown that the fear of public speaking ranks up there with the fear of death and is one of the leading fears among Americans. Organizations such as Toastmasters International and training courses in public speaking help reduce the fear to a manageable level.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to helping people conquer their fear of public speaking since 1924.

1.Know your material: Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language - that way you won't easily forget what to say.

2.Practice. Practice. Practice!: Rehearse out loud with all the equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.

3.Know the audience: Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.

4.Know the room: Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

5.Relax: Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. (One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Former officer of the year Jayme Biendl was found strangled in a chapel at the Washington State Reformatory. She had previously complained about the security protocols currently being implemented.

According to The Seattle Times - "Corrections Office Jayme Biendl had complained repeatedly to supervisors about working alone in the chapel at the Monroe Correctional Complex. The 5-foot3, 130-pound officer also complained that security cameras in the area didn't work.

Late Saturday, her worst fears were realized when she was found strangled in the chapel, and a microphone cord was found near her post."

While it may not have prevented harm coming to Corrections Officer Biendl, in light of the tragedy that happened, it is important to have careful consideration in the technology being implemented in high security areas. Amplivox's thoughts and prayers go out to Jayme Biendl's family, friends and co-workers.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

On Thursday March 10th, 2011 the devastating magnitude 8.9 earthquake caused widespread damage, disruption, and death. The resulting tsunami also caused damage to ports and docks as far away as the West Coast of the United States. This earthquake is the most powerful on record in Japan, the fifth largest in recorded history, and serves as a reminder that earthquakes can happen at any time, and can have devastating effects.

We may not be able to predict when earthquakes are going to happen but you can be prepared. The Great Central U.S. Shake Out offers great tips and drills to be prepared in case the unfortunate were to happen.

Step #3:Make Disaster Kits. Everyone should have a disaster supplies kit stored in accessible locations at home, work, and in their vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Amplivox Sound Systems is always working hard to make sure our customers have an easy purchase. One of the purposes to this blog is to provide customers relevant information they need to make a good, quality informed decision in their purchasing.

The newest feature to the blog is the Search Box you see in the image on the left.For example you are thinking about buying our popular "Half-Mile Hailer Loudspeaker PA System", you could search "hailer testimonial" to find search results easier.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Amplivox Sound Systems has always been interested in helping the community and supports the Northwest Suburban YMCA by supplying several of our products for them to use in their activities and meetings.
In addition to financial contributions, Amplivox supports the Y through donating several of our portable sound systems to them to use for their various classes, clubs, and groups that promote health and strong families.

Amplivox has recently launched the "Speak Up for America" program. With every megaphone purchased Amplivox will make a $15 donation to the North Suburban YMCA to benefit their mission, programs and services nationwide.

In the following video, we show how our products have helped the YMCA during a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, gymnastics class, dance class, karate class, at the swimming pool, and for the Y's various presentations.

We do not have that problem or temptation at Amplivox Sound Systems because many of our customers are so pleased with their Amplivox purchases that they write us to tell us how satisfied they are!

Here is a testimonial Amplivox employee Dan received via email from someone who purchased the older model of our Roving Rostrum PA System several years ago describing how happy they still are with their purchase.

Scroll to the bottom to find links to information on the new and improved Roving Rostrum PA System!

Dear Dan,

Time has past but am finally getting around to send a word of thanks for your help and sending me the new shockmount mic holder for our S122A portable sound system.

The Roving Rostrum S122A has been a wonderful and very useful system for us. We use it for our Gospel Meetings almost every Sunday. The hall we use seats 60 to 70 people and the S122A does a wonderful job for that many without the extra speaker.

The power and clarity it produces is exceptional. Thanks AmpliVox for the great product.

RJ, Florence Oregon

For more information on the newly redesigned Roving Rostrum PA System, click on this link:

We recently have blogged about a clown that uses the Belt-Blaster Personal PA Sound System. The versatility of this lightweight device is one of it's greatest strengths. It is designed to be a waistband amplifier about the size of a small purse and is as easy-to-use as products come. The headset and lapel mics plug in effortlessly for a plug-and-go operation. This product is ideal for magicians, street-performers, tour guides, clowns, and musicians who want to extend their voice or music without dealing with a complicated device.

It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and a great remedy for communicators who hate scratchy voices!

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

The beautiful thing about the internet is that you sometimes stumble upon things that surprise you. This following video is one of those surprises...

Watch the video

Look at my reaction below

Leave a comment with your reaction

My reaction to this video:

I would never let my kid do that!

I would never let myself do that!

That little girl is brave

Those little kids sitting down calmly are brave.

That man is using a wireless mic and portable pa system. He knows that for the best presentation (and to save his voice!) a personal amplification system is the way to go. The Amplivox Belt-Blaster Personal PA would be a good fit for him.

That is at my gym! I'm being serious...that is how I found the video, looking to see if my gym had a Youtube channel.

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Amplivox Sound Systems had an interesting opportunity with Craftsman Tools to participate in the 2011 WXRT Radio Listener Awards.

Amplivox had the privilege of providing one of our Full Height Wooden Lecterns for the WXRT Listeners Awards Live Radio Broadcast. The event included the announcement of radio listeners' votes for best album, movie, and concerts from the great year that was 2010.

We were invited early to film a special video on "How to Build a Podium" where Amplivox employees Charley Rummel and Cesar Paredes built an Amplivox podium using Craftsman tools, including a special surprise at the end...